Chapter 5

Mural Painting in Kerala

We can see a unique history of the art of paintings in Kerala. In olden days the

people of Kerala had maintained an unequal mastership on the art which is primarily

brought out through the rock carvings. The paintings which belongs to Mesolithic

age, found in Perumkidavilla of Thiruvananthapuram district are treated as the an-

cient examples in this regard. The first example of mural paintings found in Kerala

pertains to Marayoor rock paintings in Idukki district. As to the period of these

paintings the historians hold different opinions. But the period is supposed to be

from upper Paleolithic to early historic period. The surface had not been arranged

before painting during those days. The paintings had been done without any prepa-

ration of surface. The paintings of 8th century A.D. found in Tirunandikara cave

walls are considered as the best paintings. Since Tirunandikara paintings, we see a

wide gap of five centuries as the subsequent paintings are seen taken place after

five centuries. Paintings belonging to 14th and 15th centuries are available subse-

quent to this period. In 17th and 18th centuries the art of paintings reached its

climax. But in 18th century the history of paintings is seen disrupted to a certain
 81

extent. In 19th century this art is seen completely disappeared which makes us

assume that the social structure during those days boycotted the artists and they

sought some other jobs for livelihood. Miniature paintings and oil paintings became

popular in those days. The paintings of Rajaravivarma (1848 - 1906) and K.C.S.

Panicker were highly popular. Mineature and oil paintings were the means of earn-

ing money in those days. The mural paintings were done by collective efforts not as

a result of a solitary effort. The paintings of Gajendramoksha belonging to 18th

century seen in Krisnapuram is an example for excellent paintings in the history of

paintings in Kerala. In the half of 20th century Guruvayoor and Aranmula devaswom

opened study centres for the uplift of learning the art of mural paintings. This tradi-

tional art of paintings are now a days taught to the students who have deep inter-

ests in that field on the basis of a study package. The remainings of the mural

paintings are being protected by Government agencies such as Archeological De-

partment of Kerala and Archeological Department of India on parallel lines. The said

agencies protect the paintings by adopting various chemical methods and analysis

and other useful methods. For want of proper protection some paintings are com-

pletely ruined. A new generation that deeply loves and understands the signifi-

cance of the art of mural paintings has to come up. The survey conducted by the
 82

Archeological Department of India in 56 different centres enlightened the various

factors in this regard. In Kerala the survey has been taken place in the following

centres.

1. Padmanabhapuram Palace Thucklay 16th

2. Rock cut cave Thiruandikara 9th century

3. Vishnu Temple Thiruvattar 15th century

4. Sreekrishna temple Neyyattinkara 13th C

5. ThrivikramangalamThamalam 18thC

6. Brahama Temple Mitranandapuram 16thC

7. Vishnu Temple Mitranandapuram 18thC

8. Padmanabhaswami temple 14thC

9. Krishnapuram Palace Kayamkulam 18thC

1. An Article M. Velayudhan Nair, Conservation Offier, Regional Conservation Latrartory,

Trivandrum.
 83

10. Narasimhaswami temple

Munnoothimangalam Niranam 16th & 18th C

11. Panayannarkavu temple Mannar 16th & 18th

12. Siva Temple Mannamcherry 17th

13. Parathasarathy temple

Thiruaranmula, Chengannur 17th

14. St. Georges Orthodex Church Chepped 13th

15. Pallyakkara church

16. Subrahmanyaswami temple perunn 17-18

17. Vishnu temple Gauthamapuram 17-18

18 Cheriya palli, Kottayam

19. Siva Temple Taliyil 17-18

20 Vishnu temple Thrikodithanam 17-18

 84

21. Aymanam Vasudevapuram temple Aymanam 17-18

22. Subrahmanya temple Arpukara 16-17

23. Govindapuram Temple

Kudavechoor Valkom 17

24. Siva temple Ettumanoor 17-18

25. Si. Subrahmania swamy temple kidangoor 17

26 Pundreekapuram Vislinu temple

Thaleyoaparambu 17

27. Mahadeva temple, Vaikom 14-16

28. Pazhur Siva Temple, Piravam 17

29. Mattanchery Palace 16-18

30. Subrahmaniaswamy temple

Elankunnapuzha - Vypen 17

31. Vishnu Temple 18

 85

32. Durga Temple, Cheranallur 16,17

33. Sankara narayana temple

Nayathode, Angamaly 17

34. Syrian Jacobite Church

Akparamb, Angamaly 16

35. Kafijoor church 17-18

36. Orthodox Syrian Church

Mulanthuruthi 13

37. Syrian Catholic Church

Udoyamperoor i6

38. Kunnumpuram Church

Fort Cochin 18

.•^9 Sankaranarayana temple

Peruvanam 18

40 Vadakkumnath temple
 86

Thrissur 16-18

41 Siva temple, Chemmanthita 16

42. Muduvara temple Puzhakkal 16

43. Krishna temple,

Narayanakulangara

Vadakkumuri 17

44. Vettikkavu temple peramangalam 19

45. Siva temple Mundur 19

46. Sri Rama temple Triprayar 17-18

47 Vishnu Temple Panjal 18

48 Siva temple Panjal 17

49 Siva temple, Cherukannapuram

Vadakkanchery 18

50 biva temple
 87

Killikurrissimangalam 17-18

51 Thiruvegapura temple 18

52 Bhagavathi temple Thirumadamkunnu

Angadippuram 18

/
53. Siva Temple Kottakkal 18

54. Bhagavathi temple Kollam, Quilandi 17-18

55. Bhagavathi temple Balusseri 17-18

56. Pisharikkavu temple 14-16

57. Kalliampalli temple 14-16

)
58 Sreekrishna temple

Timhambaram, Taliparambu 17

59 Morazha temple, Taliparambu 17-18

60 Temple at Thoodeekalam 17-18

 88

Comparing to Ajantan paintings tliese paintings are excellent in colours they

are beautiful in line sketch. This art was made prosperous and extensive with helps

of various factors. These factors may be political, social, communal, religious etc.

The art developed mainly in peaceful atmosphere under the eminent rulers who

loved various arts including the art of niural paintings. Comparing to costal area

and mountain places excellent paintings are mostly seen in central part. The impact

of bhakti movement is seen behind this progress to a certain extent and even amidst

of the conflicts between local rulers and the foreign invasions. Though in 16th and

17th century we can see a rapid progress in the field of paintings. In the 18th cen-

tury there destines a sudden depression. After the invasion of Tippu Sultan the

major revenue of temples were controlled by British rulers. These resulted in a poor

economic conditions as far as the temples are concerned. The encouragements of

arts became drastically impossible due to the above negative forces.

Due to the unfavourable climatic conditions the paintings were wet and got

ruined. The lack proper maintenance resulted in heavy loss of their beauty and the

paintings on the temple walls thus lost for ever. The loss was also resulted by old

age. We do not know whether the paintings were done using the same method as to
 89

which adequate details are propounded by various literary works. Though various

techniques are narrated in those books, we have no proof to come to a conclusion

that the same techniques had been put to use at the time of painting. The raw

materials used were often disfigured and discoloured due to okJage. After inde-

pendence, the Central Government and State Government took adequate meas-

ures for the protection of the painting. For encouraging the art of painting in Aaranmula

and Guruvayoor two academic institutions were started.

The mural paintings in Kerala was in existence as a traditional form of art.

The legendaries of Ramayana and Mahabharata are mostly seen painted on the

walls of temples and palaces. The theme of paintings seen on the walls of churches

centres round the stories of Bible. The lifestyle as well as art activities of the people

of Kerala had been tremendously influenced by epic stories like Ramayana and

Mahabharata. The theme of the paintings included the characters of these stories.

In Kerala cast system and untouchbility had been in previlence. Even then the

influence of Hindu thoughts were highly extensive. Regardless culture and educa-

tion the low class people as well as high class people had choosen different stories

in accordance with their standards and paintings were done basing on this stand-
 90

ards. In the devotional songs different kinds of adornments and ornaments are

narrated. The thoughts of all artists were more or less the same. Religions were

made friendly for the subsistence art and literature. Places attached to temples

were choosen for art exhibition^ The walls of temples were choosen for mural

paintings. Many of them had been ruined. Some of them are still kept in tact. In

Kerala different kinds of focal and imaginary stories had been spre^dedTsome of

them relates to the Kirata story of >6iva, Arjuna, The Story of Bhima. Hidimba etc.

Relying on these stories leather toy play , Kathakali, Theyyam, Thirayattam,

Krishnanattam, Raman"attam etc. are had become popular.

The mural paintings are the exposition of some fabricated stories ot rural

legendaries. Imaginary goddess and asuras were incarnated through murai paint-

ings. Among these paintings the birth of Rama, Bheema, Hanuman Siva in the form

of Kirata, The Jealousy of Ganga and Uma etc. The art forms existed in temples got

enormously developed. From 10th century B.C. the art of mural paintings origi-

nated in Kerala and reached its zenith in the 16th and 17th centuries. The art of

painting and the art of culture got developed paraH^. They were dramatical. The

expand eyes due to heroism, love and hatred were the usual expressions which

1. Stella Kramsisch. The Arts of Kerala Kshatram, Paico Publishing House, Madras 1970. P.48
 91

had been conveyed to us through paintings. These paintings had claimed a uni-

formity in all part of India irrespective of certain variations due to local touch and

influence. In Kerala they were unique with certain modifications Bhima and Hanuman

were treated as brothers in the story Kalyanasaugandhikam. So also the Goddess

Parvati become jealous where the Mohini incarnation of Vishnu joined with Siva.

The same jealousy occurred in Uma when she found Siva carrying Ganga on his

head. Parasurama created terror towards Srirama. Siva who rendered Arjuna to

testing, the slain of Hiranyakasipu by Vishnu, who incarnated in the form of

Narasimham are the main incidents of paintings. The wall surfaces of temple are

seen used to narrate the above stories.

Most of the legendary characters had worn crown ornaments bangles etc.

like the characters seen in Kathakali. But the expressions P^e^TKajKi, "fedf^e not

seen given to these characters. This is the notable difference seen in Kathakali and

paintings. According to a survey conducted by the Central Archeological Depart-

ment about 60 characters are found out in Kerala. Many of them are highly attrac-

tive. Some characters are seen repainted and some others are blurred. Basing on

the themes the mural paintings of Kerala can be classified into 4 categories'.

1. Kapila Vatsyayan - The Arts of Kerala Kshetram. Published by Sriramavarma Govt. Sanskrit
College Committee, Tripunithura 1989 P. 17
 92

1. The incidence of Ramayana

)
2. Siva, Vishnu in the form of Mohini, Parvathy who stares ai oiva anu oanya

with anger, Narasimha and Hiranyal<asipu

3. Vishnu in the form of Venugopal, Govardhana Mountain

4. Dancing Siva

These pictures are repeatedly painted from Padmanabhaswamy temple on south to

Vadakkumnatha temple at north. Though there are certain changes the substories

of Mahabharatha are seen painted. The paintings of characters centre round on the

stories of Bible. When we take into account Indian Mural painting, we can assign a

unique position to the mural painting seen in Kerala.

The paintings seen on the root of Thirunandhikara temple in Kanyakumari district of

Tamilnadu belongs to 9th century. The history of mural paintings in Kerala starts

from this stage. The reason is that Kanyakumari was a part of old Travancore.

Treating Tirunandikara paintings as the oldest, the history of 10 centuries can be

ascertained. But our government have started on this aspect.

 •93

Considering the peculiarities of paintings tlie mural paintings of Kerala can be

classified into three stages. In the first stage the paintings of Tirunandikara, Kantalur,

Padmanabhaswamy temple, Tiruvambady temple, Citaral cave temple and in the

second stage Mattanchery palace, Vadakkumnatha temple, Thiruvancikulam,

Pisarikavu, Elamkunnapuzha, Mulakkulam, Balussery, Kottayam, Tazhatangadi,

Vasudevapuram, Thrikodittanam and in the third stage Akaparambu churth, Kanjoor

palli.Thiruvalla churth, Kottam cheriya churth, Chepadu churth and Ankamaly churth

and also the christian churches of Kottakkal, Pundareekapuram, Thriprayar,

Panayannoorkavu, Lokanarkavu and also in the temples of Padmanabhaswamy

temple, karivelapuramalika, Mattanchery palace, Kovanithalam are to be consid-

ered.

Like Saints ordinary people were represented through paintings. Subsequent

to the age of Ajantan paintings all the Indian mural paintings are conveyed through

line sketch. The thick line represents hearness. Thin lines distance, flowing lines

inseparability. The traditional floor drawings and Kathakali vyere under the grip of

mural paintings. The geographical features of Kerala is also portraited through dif-

ferent kinds of pictures. The possessiveness of passions was expressed through

 .94

paintings. Tlie creations of mural paintings were witli i tlie confinement of devotional

songs and science of idols. The colours were immersed in outlines. They were

rythematic and unequal. The artist adopted the traditional methods regardless re-

muneration for their work which were really in pursuit of goddiness as a result the

artist did not assign any significants on their personality or their individuality. The

situation created some difficulty to the subsequent generations. We have to guess

as to the persons who worked behind these beautiful creation. They didn't claim

any recognition either for their personality or for their creativity. They were actually

incognito and unknown to future generations. As far as the concept of beauty is

concerned we can note some region wise differences. The creators made the crea-

tions basing on the ideas and ideologies they confronted directly or indirectly in their

experiences of ordinary life. The beautiful lady characters of Padmanabhapuram

palace are long faced and of stoutly built bodies but the ladies of Mattanchery pal-

ace are with round breasts and fleshy bodies. The former belonged to Sankini type

of ladies and the later to Padmini type of ladies class.

The practical approach towards painting was somewhat difference then what

has been described in the literary works. Most of the paintings are seen on the
 95

arranged walls except those are seen in the cave walls. The surface of the walls

was initially made rough and the same was again arranged before painting. Differ-

ent kinds of gum was used to make the surface more impact. The saps of some

plants were used to niake gum. Lemon juice and coconut water were used to elimi-

nate the concentration of the paints. The paints so prepared were kept in wooden

pots and used according to the need. The brush used for painting was also made

according to need of different kinds of paintings. The paints and brush were ar-

ranged before the painting being done. The bamboo stick which was made sharp

and long grass roots of some plants were also used to make brush. The outline was

drawn using yellow paint with the brush made off bamboo sticks. And these out-

lines were made hard using red paints. The grass brush was used to brush the

paints on the surface. The roots of some plants were also used in this connection.

After the painting is over, the sap of pine tree mixed with one fourth oil and filtering

the same with the help of a piece of cloth, the hardness of the painting is assured.

The mural paintings in Kerala is mostly seen painted with the colours orange,

green, red, white, blue, black, green blue, yellow, golden yellow etc. The minerals

excavated from the earth, the sap of plants and vegetables, the powder of stone
 96

etc. were used to mix these colours. Blue colour is produced from Nilamari plant.

Green colour Is also mixed with different colours. Black colour is produced from oil

carbon. The concentration of calcium had been eliminated by smearing crystal on

the walls. The chemical action of calcium was remarkable understood during those

days. The lime juice was used to eliminate the concentration of Calcium. In Kerala

the calcium walls were prominently considered an important factor for the construc-

tion of walls. Therefore the chemical qualities of this factor was given high regards.

While illustrating the epic characters, suitable colours were given considering

the peculiarity of each character. The colours were symbolic and qualitatively Satvika,

Rajasa and Thamasa. It is to be believed that the art might have adopted traditional

beliefs in regard to the art of paintings. A sum total of all these factors are seen

externalised on the mural paintings. The art having been traditionally handed over

to the subsequent generation, high regards were given to this art without any adul-

teration.

Green colour was given to the Satvika gods and red colour to Rajusa gods.

For Tamasa gods white colour was given according to Vaisnava thoughts and black

colour according to Saiva thoughts. Srirama, Srikrisna, Trimphant Durga, Sastha

 97

were given either green or green blue colour. Ganapathi, Narasimha, Varahamurti

etc. are considered as Rajoguna gods. Parvathy, Visnumaya are considered as the

goddesses which were painted in golden colour. White colour for dancing Siva,

Daksinamurti etc. Golden colour for the God of Kailasam. The colour of Bhadrakali

was the colour of clouds. Crimson colour to Brahma and Saraswati. White colour

to Balasaraswathi. Yellow robes for Srikrishna. Blue robes for Sastha. The robes

of Siva was in blue colour. The prominent colour which is seen Kerala mural paint-

ing is light red colour.

According to Natyasastra\ Sringaram was expressed in syama colour and

hasyam in white colour, anger in red colour, terror in KrisVinavarna, wonder in yellow

colour etc. Each colour thus conveys to us the expression of each passion .

The pictures of Sasta well acquinted in Tamil nadu are ordinarily seen in Kerala

temples. Most of the pictures are seen as hunting, sitting on the horseback etc.

The pictures of Sastha sitting on the elephant are not rare. The concept of

Suryariarayana instead of the God Sun is also seen painted. Significance is given

to dancing Siva in Saiva paintings. The paintings of Ganapati Subrahmania and

PSrvati in Kailasa with Siva are plenty in number. On the northern side of the inner

1. Vedambandu - Rasabharati, Kerala Sahitya Academy Thrissur 1985 Ch. 6 35, 36.
 98

shrine, the picture of Siva in the form of Dal<sinamurthi is seen painted. On the

southern sides of inner shrine different l<inds of pictures are painted. The God

Sadasiva with five heads. Kiratasiva, Akhorasiva, Bhil<satanamurti, Ardhanarisvara,

Bairava are different forms of Siva which are made subject to the theme of paint-

ings. So also the stories of Dasaradha and the object of each incarnation of Visnu

are exhibited in Vaisnava paintings. The pictures of Sri Padmanabha are differently

painted. Santanagopala moorthy, Guruvayurappan, f^ahalaksmi, Vishnu,

Gajendramoksam etc. have been painted. The praising of Srirama, Srikrisnalila

play of Krisna the incidence of Ramayana from birth to coronation are among the

paintings. From the above it is to be assumed that Uthararamayana has been aban-

doned for the purpose of painting. Putanamoksam, Kaliyamardanam, iifting of

Govardana Mountain, stealing of the robes of Gopa ladies are painted. In many

pictures Srikrishna who is reading flute standing among the gopa ladies can be

seen. The slain of Mahisa.the demon, the picture of Durga, Bhadrakali etc. are

among the paintings.

christian churches too, large number of paintings are seen and all the sto-

ries are related to Bible. Eve, who is eating the forbidden fruit under the instigation
 99

of Satan, the birth of Christ, the wonder of Christ, his tortures, crusification, resur-

rection etc. are seen painted in the church walls.

I.Tirunandikara Paintings^

The ancient mural paintings of Kerala is found out in the cave walls of Tirunandikara

temple. Inside of the cave a large chamber of is seen abound in many paintings.

But today we can see only a few outlines of such paintings. This outlines, however,

convey to us the excellence in ancient paintings. The paintings of Siva and Parvati

are beautifully done. These paintings are supposed to be done in 9th century A.D.

Even in the absence of colours the true shapes of the characters are excellently

painted.

2. Ettumanur Paintings'

Subsequent to Tirunalndikara paintings, in 16th century the paintings of

Ettumanoor supposed to be taken place in Kerala. On the southern wall of this

temple the picture of dancing Siva is significantly painted. The picture is 3.60 me-

tres length and 2.17 metres height. The paintings denote the BrahmanandaTandava

(violent dance) of Siva on the Asura Mulayaka. A group dance as to which mention

1. K.P. P. Thampy Thiruvattar and Thirunandikara, Travancore Information and Listner.

February 1945
2. K.P. P. Tampy Ettumanur, Travancore Information and Listener, April 1945
 100

is made in NatyasSstra is also seen painted liere. The spectators of dancing Siva,

Gods and Goddesses and other dancing figures are painted. The paintings include

the picture of Saraswati, Devendra, Visnu, Brahma, Laksmidevi etc. The attractive

picture is of PSl-vati who is holding lotus flowers in her hands. Nandi who is viewing

the dance of Siva is actually appreciating the dance with a devotional ecstasy. On

the top of the paintings Sanaka, Sanandana and Sanathkumara are painted. In the

middle of the picture Ganapati is painted sitting on the mouse. Subrahmanya whose

the vehicle is the peacock has taken place on the left side of Siva. Bhadrakali

views the dance of Siva with devotional fear.

Though the idols of Natyaraga are rare in Kerala the paintings and sculptures

of Natyaraga are plenty. The dancing'Siva has 16 hands.

The colour of the body of Siva is the moon white. In the inner part of the

western tower, the paintings of ananthasayanam can be seen. It is of five metres

and 80 cm length and two meter and 47 cm. height. On the foot of Mahavisnu,

Bhumidevi and on the head, Lakshmidevi are seated. Garuda is seen worshipping

Visnu.

The paintings include Astadikpalakas (keepers of the eight cardinal points),

 101

areseeninVaikuntha. In the bottom portion, the picture of milk ocean is painted. A

large fish is also painted which swallows a tiny fish. Mahavishnu is painted with

thilak of Valsnava type, sacred thread, necklece of hearts hanging on the chest,

crown, ear rings, garland of wood flowers, neckleace, armlets.

The pictures of ananthasayanam and Sivatandavam have been rendered to

renovations. The paintings on either side of Nataraja is in a terrible way. From fear

to wonder and wonder to heroism is the method adopted for paintings. The

Aghoramurti has eight hands in each of which different weapons are held.

Among the God and Goddesses who are viewing Anantasayanam and

>

Natarajanrtam, the picture of Siva is peculiarity painted. Sasta who is hunting sitting

on the horseback is 2.40 metres height and 55 cm breadth. The paintings of

Dwarapalakas is 1.50 metres length and 1.20 metres height. These pictures are

seen painted on the outer wall of the tower. The picture of Balakrisna who is stealing

the robes of Gopa ladies and the picture of hunting Sasta, Gopikas who are stand-

ing in water and begging for their clothes etc. are among the paintings.

The wild animals are portraited through the picture of hunting Sastha painted in

many of the temple walls. A man who is ready to shoot with a gun is also painted.
 102

The gun indicates the guns used by Portuguese and Dutches. On the upper portion

a forest, in the middle portion Sastha sitting on the horseback, and in the bottom

portion hunting with help of followers are the sequence in which the picture of the

paintings are seen arranged. The Dwarapalakas painted on the walls have close

resemblance with that of seen moulded with bricks on either side of the walls.

The structural beauty of the female Goddesses like Parvati, Laksmi, Saraswati,

Bumidevi etc. indicates the Kerala femates, their beautiful body structure and their

deep influence in the minds of the artists who created the paintings. Not only the

body structure but also various expression on their face too have influenced the

artists enormously. But in their clothing the Kerala style is somewhat absent. But

the earring called as Thakka and the neck chain indicate the Kerala style. While

painting the pictures of Gods, the artists were keenly cautious not to assign Kerala

Style to the Gods. All these pictures represent 16th century. Hasty attempts for the

renovation of the paintings have often created some problems against their original-

ity.
 103

The paintings of Padmanabliapuram

Padmanabhapuram was the capital of Venad^ otherwise l<nown as Kalkulam.

Kalkulam was a place which was contributed by Martandavarma Maharaja to

Padmanabhaswami. Many of the paintings are seen in the inner chambers of the

Thevarappuzha of the palace. Thevarapura might be intended for meditatlonal pur-

poses or such other purposes. On the westem wall, the paintings of Anantasayanam

is seen. On the foot the picture of Laksmidevi and on the head the picture of BudevI

are seen painted. The saints and the sages, sun and moon etc. praise

Ananthasayanam in a devotional mood. Like other Kerala temples, the picture of

Sun God is painted in the form of Sooryanarayana. Vishnu in Annthasayana form

has two hands instead of four hands unlike other paintings. In the eastern walls

another picture of Ananthasayanam with the same beauty seen painted. The other

paintings include Venugopalan surrounded by Gopikas. One of the Gopikas is

painted in white colour and this gopika is supposed to be the eternal heroine Radha.

With the presence of Srikrisna the Gopikas are seen painted in ecstatic mood.

Hearing the sweet music from the flute of Srikrisna the Gopikas become overjoyed

by emotions and their views unify in distant point in the eternity. The expertedness

of three different artists can be visualised in the paintings of Padmanabhapuram

1. K.P.P. Tampy - Mural Painting in Travancore Silpi October1947

 104

palace. One of the above artists has given due significance to drawings and col-

ours alike thereby exposing his mastership on the art. The second artist can not be

treated as so adept like the first artist and the third artist may be an Iranian artist.

The picture of Eakadasa Rudhra (elevan rudras) is painted on the northern wall.

The sivalinga of Thripparappu, Dakshminamurthy, Ganapatypuja, Sasta on the horse-

back who is hunting, Visnu worshipped by Sridevi and Bhudevi, Visnu sitting on

Garuda are the other forms of pictures which are seen painted on the walls. All

these pictures might have been painted by excellent artists who lived in those days.

On the other hand the picture of dancing Siva, Bairava, Parthasarathi, Krishna,

Girijakalyanam etc. seen on the northern wall may be accredited by the artists who

stand second among the artists. The other paintings like the paintings of Muruka,

Sudarsanachakrmurti, Visnu etc. may be the creations of the said artists.

- *

The paintings of Padmanabapuram Palace had tremendously influenced the

art of paintings of southern Kerala. It is guessed that the paintings of

Padmanabhapuram has taken place after third January 1750, the date of first

Tripaditanam.The impact of this paintings can also be seen in the mural paintings of

Tiruvattar temples.
 105

The ancient culture of Kerala, to a certain extent, is conveyed to us through that

paintings of Padmanabhapuram. The detailed accounts of royal assembly, various

ornaments, robes of dancers etc. are also brought to us through these paintings.

The codifications and unification of Saiva and Vaishnava thoughts, their importance

among the social and meditational set up, their cordiality etc. can be very well un-

derstood with the help of these paintings. One of the artists who painted the picture

is Pandavas temple of Kottayam where name was Narayanabhatta is supposed to

be the disciple of Kaikkotta Namboothiri who was supposedly the main artist of

Padmanabhapuram.

Paintings of Vaikkam Siva Temple^

The picture of Parvati at Vaikkam Temple must have been painted subsequent to the

paintings of Padmanabhapuram Palace. Genesa and Siva of Padmanabhapuram

palace are equally excellent along with the paintings of Parvati. Besides we can

see the paintings of Rama and Laksamana here. All these paintings are supposed

to be taken place in 16th or 17 century^.

1. K.P.P. Tampy - The Udyanapuram Mural Painting Travancore Information and Listener,
August 1947.
2. K.P.P. Tampy - Vaikam and Its Famour Temple Travancore Information and Listener,
January 1945.
 106

Paintings of Tiruvattar Adisesaperumal temple^

The paintings of hunting Sastha and the worship of Ganesa are beautifully done

here. They are supposed to be belonging to 15th century.

The Paintings of l\/Iattanchery Palace^

The palace is situated in jew street at Mattancery which is adjacent to Cochin. Arch

windows and doors seen here indicates the European way of construction and the

restricted use of woods in those days. The influence of European countries is pro-

claimed by way of this constructions. But the three temples which are situated on

either side of the compound and in the central part and the pond on the western side

represent the Kerala Style. The mural paintings of Mattancery was destroyed by

Portugees invaders when they robbed the temples. The ruler of this palace who

got angry with the unprecedented attack made by the Portugees, was made pleased

by them by way of constructing a palace and contributing to the said ruler^. The

ruler as well as his successive generations continued their attempts in regard to

painting of various pictures. Nearly 300 sq. ft. area is covered a painted picture

which depicts the whole Ramayana story commencing from the ritual made by

Dasarada to the coming back of the triumphant Rama from Lanka after killing Ravana.

1. K.P.P. Tampy Thiruvattar and Thirunandikkara, Travancore Information and Listener

February 1945
2. Chita V.R. & S.Srinivasan - Cochin Murals Published under the special authority of his
Highness the Maharaja of Cochin 1940 P.38
3. P. Anujan Achan - Annaul Report of the Archeological Dept. Cochin State 1934 - 35 A.d
 107

Pictures pertaining to Krisna is also seen painted here.

The western chamber which was situated near the chamber for coronation was

used by the rulers to sleep at night. In the walls of all these chambers a number of

pictures are seen painted. In the lower middle portion of the walls, textile designs

are seen painted in a simple way and in the upper middle portion the epic stories are

splendidly painted. The incidence of Ramayana is portraited through 60 paintings\

The incarnation of Mahavisnu is seen painted here. The first picture painted on the

northern end of the eastern wall indicate giving instruction to Sumanthrar by

Dasaradha for the arrangement of the ritual "Putrakamesty" (a sacrifice performed

to obtain a son). The ritual is conducted by Rsyasringa. In the next painting god

Agni (fire God) who carried rice boiled in milk is seen painted. In another picture the

King who was so pleased in getting payasam from God Agni is seen. Golden colour

is seen given to Kaikeyi among the wives of Dasarada. This denotes Dasarada's

special love and affection towards Kaikeyi according to the justification of the art-

ists. The next picture shows the delivery of the wives of Dasarada without any

screening.

1. M.G. Sasibhushan • Keralathile Chuvarchitrangal, Kerala Bhasa Institute,

Thiruvananthapuram, 19994 P.71
 108

Another beautiful painting gives us the picture of Tatal<a and sending of Rama,

Laksamana along with Viswamitra in pursuit of the sacrifice. Breaking of the bow

and marrying Sita by Srirama are painted in another picture. The obstruction to

coronation, the conflict of Rama and Parasurama, journey in the boat of Guha, Cross-

ing of the river Ganga are seen in the paintings. The slain of Viradg^he passions of

Surganakha towards Rama, cutting of her breasts by Laks^m^na, meeting of Sugrlva

and taking vow killing of Bali etc. are seen beaitifully painted. While killing Viradha,

an unprovokable stillness is expressed on the face of Rama and a wonderful clem-

ency on the face of Sita. The shedding of blood from the body of Surpariakha is

seen painted'. The jumping of Hanuman to Lanka, the obstruction created by Surasa,

Simhika, Lankalaksmi etc to the joumey of Hanuman to Lanka, the fight of Ranlayana,

the slain of Ravana, the fire sacredness of Sita, welcoming of Rama, Sita and
m

Laksamana by the people of Ayodhaya etc are among the paintings. The northern

wall where Sriramapattabhisekam (The consecreation of Srirama) had to be painted

is found without any painting. The picture of lamenting Srirama due to the loss of

Sit^ is beautifully painted on the western wall. The vanaras who are looking at

Rama who attempt to lauch arrow are also painted. Hanuman who gets escaped

through the ear of Surasa, sleeping Kumbakarna are among the paintings. Srirama

1. M.G. Sasibhushan - Keralathile Chuvarchithrangal, Kerala Bhasha Institute,

Thiruvananthapuram 1994 P.73.
 109

is a legendary character who visualised life as a dramatic play. Hanuman is adven-

turous character and a devotee of Srirama. The peculiarity of each painting assigns

great significance to each of them. Over crowded paintings eliminate their signifi-

cance and beauty to a certain extent. Some of them are, therefore left unnoticed.

In the second stage of Mattancery paintings we can see six paintings from the

stair room to the chamber for coronation, the fleshy characters are seen beautifully

painted. These paintings convey an irresistible tender feelings in the minds of the

viewers.

>
Thiruvanchikulam Siva temple paintings

Five pictures are seen painted here in an area of 105 sq. ft. One is Mahabharatha

fight and the other is the incidence of Ramayana. Dancing of Siva, Parvathy, Srikrisna

surrounded by Gopikas etc.

Chemmanthitta Siva temple paintings

Here the dance of Lord Nataraja, hunter Ganapati, Durga etc. are the items of paint-

ings.
 110

t
Pallimanna Siva temple paintings

Saiva and Vaisnava paintings are seen here\ The picture of Goddess Mohini

playing with a ball, Kiratha Siva, Arjuna; Dhaksinamurthy, Krisnalila etc. are seen

painted here. The characters have some similarity with the Tamil Characters. The

Saiva paintings are done by one Gopalan who was an inhabitant of Kollam and

Vaisnava paintings by Meghatturama in the year 1691 according to a wall script.

Paintings Vadakkumnatha temple

Under the instigation of ^^nvanchery Thamprakkal, the paintings in this tem-

ple are done by one Krishnan, a disciple of Narayana in the year 1731. This is

brought to us from a script received from here. The paintings mainly include

Mahabharatha fight, the pictures of Siva, dancing Siva, Ganesan, Daksinamoorthy,

Gajendramoksam, Santanagopala etc.

Thitrangode Siva Temple Paintings

The paintings here are supposed to be made in the second half of 17th century. The

paintings include Siva, Vishnu, Subrahmanya etc.

1. Kapila Vatsyayan - The Arts of Kerala Kshetram, Publishd by Ramavarma Govt. Sanskrit
College Committee, Tripunithura 1989 P.20
 111

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Paintings^

The legendary stories taken from Ramayana and Mahabharatha are seen

painted here. All these paintings are supposed to have been made during the period

from 1729 to 1733.

Udayanapuram Temple Paintings

All the paintings here are believed to be taken place in the second half of 16th

century and in the half first half of 17th century. The paintings include the picture of

Ganapati, Siva, Parvati, Subrahmanya etc. The peculiarity of the paintings seen

here is the pictures of Namboodiris who lead the high class social life. Their culture

and inheritance are brought to us through this paintings. A Namboothiri who is

worshipping Ganapati and another worshipping lady have been painted.

Aaranmula Vishnu Temple Paintings

Four mural paintings having 63 inches length and 50 inches breadth are seen painted

on the walls either side of the inner shririe.

1. K.P.P. Tampy Mural Painting in Travancore Silpi October, 1947

 112

Undarisapuram Temple Paintings

A clear distinction as to the old paintings and the new paintings can not be ascer-

tained from the blurred paintings and the new paintings. They may belong to 16th or

17th century. Here 8 large pictures and more than 20 tiny pictures have been painted.

Siva and Parvathy was sitting under a coconut tree and Durga was attempting to kill

Mahisasura are among the paintings.

KottakkaiTemple Paintings

Tnrough 40 types of paintings, heroism, clemency, passions, terror etc. are

brought to us. The paintings include thefamily of Siva and Visnu. The name of the

painter is available from the script here according to which Sankaran Nair and his

disciple Bharatapisarody are the persons behind this painting.

Paintings of Elamkunnapuzha Subraiimania Temple

The incidence of Mahabharatha, Ganapathipooja, hunting of Sastha are painted

here. A goldsmith who is sitting near his wife is smoking. This is an interesting

painting seen here.

 113

Thriprayar temple paintings

Here the picture of Venugopalakrishnan Gajerdramoksham, Lord Narasimham etc

are seen painted. Such paintings are seen in Vaniamkulam, Cheerakattukulam

Thrikkaderi Moonu MoorhyTemple\ Panjal Ayyappan Temple and Pandavam Sasth£

Temple, Trichakra puthanchira, Lokanarkavu, Thodikalm Siva Temple, Krishnapuran-

palace, Panayannarkavu etc.

1. M.G. Sasibhushan - Keralathile Chuvarchitrangai Kerala Bhasa Institute

Thiruvananthapuram
1994 P. 96
 Chapter -6

The History of Muraj Painting

When we examine the history of Indian portrait we can see that those portraits

were drawn by ancient people on the cave walls, interior places of the dwelling

houses. Later due to the transitional phase of time some changes took place in the

art of portrait. The portraits included the acquainted figure of different animals and

such other objects. The portraits which are found out in certain places near Mirzapur

in 1880 are supposed to be the ancient portrait based on some available evidences

to that effect. In different parts of India mainly on four centres there were a large

number of caves which where suitable for human Inhabitants. The first rock paint-

ing was found out from Admagarh Quarry Shelter near Hoshanagabad . Such

paintings were available from 50 different centres which were inhabited by our an-

cestors. These places are located around Pochamadhri known as Mahadev Hills.

The figures of Singanpur and Kabrapahar were found out from Madhaya Pradesh.

Such examples have been found out from the river banks of Likhunia, Khobar,

Mahrara, Bijayagarh and Bhaldaria in Uttarpradesh and also from Suavely in Mirsapur

and Mankipur in Bonda District. Flat shining stones where ordinarily seen in The

Vindhya mountains. These stones and the redoxide of pigment washaematite where
 115

used to mix paints. The paintings included tilings which wer6 projected in ordinary

life. A picture received from Likhunia indicates a man who is hunting a wild elephant

sitting on a horse back and also another man latching a large bird. In Mahararia

Shelter a wounded wild pig scene painted. In another painting scene in Singanpur

a huge animal is attacked by a number of people using a large rail and sticks. The

use of bows and arrows, Sword and shield are incarnated in another picture which

indicates a fighting. A worship of "Swasthik" which appears in the form of a heroes

is seen painted in the case of Baniyaberi. In another painting monkey is seen

standing on its legs reading a Clarelet. This portrait indicates some jokes and a

man who looks at the monkey lying on his coat and makes gestures in accordance

with the music. This appears to be just contrary to orpheus theme.

From the old remains excavated from Mohanjadaro and Harappa a civilized

society had evidently existed in thoSe places in ancient time. The art and literature

were progressive among those civilized societies. We have got some proof at hav-

ing existed the art of dancing, art of sculpture, portraits, music and the music with

the help of various musical instruments. The existence of the above arts is evi-

dently obvious from various portraits available from these parts. The creativity

consists of familiar objects in all ages. The pictures of elephants, bullocks etc are
 116

seen engraved on some objects and tWs engravings are seen done with unique

master ship. The cotton clothes were adored using different colours of paints which

is disclosed when we seen terracotta.

ANCIENT PAINTINGS

In ancient Greece the portrait was supposed to be taken place with the emer-

gence of ceramic art. Though the proof of frescoes was destroyed we can see that

fighting, hunting etc had been represented by those portraits. Those portraits had

been engraved in tiny scales on mud pots. The pots received from Indus valley are

seen painted with such tiny pictures. Using wheels the mud pots of red in black

colour were painted with pictures and there picture were not only symbolic but also

agreeable with natural percepts and also adorned in geometrical way. Among those

portraits significance was assigned to those which are simple in nature and not

ornamental but the pictures which were drawn in geometrical pattern were also

considered superb. The portraits were in the form at lozenges, triangles, rectan-

gles, circles, parallelograms and also completely filled along with simple banks,

wavy lines and lupes. The plants and trees, animals and birds which were abound

in nature during ancient period were the object of paintings. The portrait of a fisher-

man with net is seen drawn on the cave wall. The main theme of Sourastrian
 117

portrait included animals such as deer and birds such as crain, peacock etc. Be-

sides the portrait of snakes are also seen drawn in ancient days. Pots having

uneven surface were used to be painted with the pictures pertaining to nature. In

the beginning stage reflective paintings were done which is subsequently devel-

oped into naturalism and later stylisation. Natural beauties are seen painted on the

surface of Lothal Pottery. In another painting a deer is seen drawn looking back and

another one standing royally under a tree, a snake a couple of crain twittering, birds

making nest on the branches of trees and birds having tiny fishes in its beaks etc

are seen painted in those days.

A Tibettan native Tharanad visited India in 1608 A.D. in connection with learn-

ing of Budha History'. Simultaneously he studied about Indian Painting comprehen-

sively and the study comprised of various stages commencing from the very begin-

ning of Indian portrait to his contemporary period. Though he stayed only two weeks

in India the details he collected were highly comprehensive and perfect. Various

literary works indicate the growth of Indian portrait form the second century B.C.

The art of portrait was depended upon for religious propaganda by which the former

was enormously encouraged. But for on religious ground the art was only for enter-

tainment. The ancient portrait which are still in existence pertaining to Ajanta caves.

1. The History of Indian Painting. The Mural Tradition in

Abhinav Publication, New Delhi 1976 P.8
 118

The ancient art of portrait was made friendly by the Buddhist for their religious propa-

ganda and we have adequated proof to come out that the Hindu religion was also

propagated with the help of the art of portrait.

The ancient Buddhist art can be classified into Deva style, Yaksa style and

Naga style. In between fifth and third century B.C. Deva style had existed in Bihar

and Yaksha style was progressive in 3rd century B.C. and Naga style in 3rd century

A.D. In later stages this significance of the art of portrait got weekend and finally

came to an extinct. In A.D. 5th and 6th century the Devas style was popularly in

progress in the name of the school of Bimbisara. In 7th century Sringadhara and

his disciples had caused for the renaissance of Yaksha style in Rajaputana. Also

the Bengali such as Dhiman and Bitpalo made their contribution for the renaissance

of Naga style. In those days the theme of portrait included supernatural creations

or the creations which have been blessed in Deva and Yaksha Style. This shows

thatTharanath had relied on superstitions in elucidating various themes of portrait.

The golden age of Indian portrait is started with Ajanta's art. The old remains

of some of the real pictures are seen completely spoiled in Ajanta caves. We have

got some clues from various literary works which indicate the development of the

art of portrait. A magnificent heritage can be claimed for a long period prior to Ajantan
 119

Art. In Divyavadana the artist belonging to tlie palace of Bimbisara had drawn a

picture pertaining to an incident of Budha's Uie\ A portrait of the Emperor Asoka is

believed to have been brought to China according to the prevailing conviction of

Japanees. We have got some proof to the effect that Budda religion had depended

on various arts for religious propaganda. The learning of Patanjali revealed that the

art of portrait was enormously used to teach various religious doctrines to their

followers. The saint Patanjali^ has subjected the art of portrait to elucidate Krisna

Carltam & Kamsavadha. The pictures seen on the cave walls of Ajanta represents

a civilized society. This art is supposed to have developed as a part of religious

culture. We have got some proofs to substantiate this fact. A Budda religious

literary work which was supposed to be written in 2nd or 3rd century B.C. gives us

some details to the effect that the king Pascnada had constructed a number of

palaces for entertainment with beautiful paintings and sculptures in each palace.

The epic Ramayana says as about some chambers which are painted with beauti-

ful pictures. The king Prasenajit had protected the houses for portraits. In the

drama Uttararamacarita^, Srirama & Sita are said to have visited the houses of

portraits where their own portraits had been painted Narada Silpashastra^

comphrehensively narrates the significance of the chambers where the portraits

1. Krishna Chaithanya - History of Indian Painting - P10, Abhinav Publication,

New Delhi 1976 P.10
2. Mhabhasya of Patanjali, Chowkamba Surbliarti, Prakasham New Delhi 1981 P.46
3. Uttararamacharita of Bhavabhuti, Motilal Banarsidas New Delhi 1981 P.44
4. Naradasilpasastra Ch. 66 or 71, The Indian Historical Quarterly
 120

are to be kept in fact and the classification of this chambers etc. Usinara says that

the houses of portraits are to be located in the central portion of main street of the

town or where the street ends. In ancient time houses of portraits are supposed to

be inexistence. Apart from permanent art galleries there were travelling exhibition

halls, water pavilions (Jalamandapa) had existed in forts and interiors places of the

places. In all these places the art at portraits were in full swing.

The carved ivory panels which are supposed to be pertaining to the first cen-

tury A.D., had been found our begrom of Afghanisthan. The houses of rich commu-

nities had been beautifully painted using mixture of paints. The object which were

recognisable by human sensation were painted. In Ajanta too the same objects are

seen painted. According to the Kamasutra' of Vatsyana pertaining to 3rd century

A.D. all the city inhabitants except uncivilized people were able to paint. In

Mruchakatika of Sudraka belonging to 4th Century A.D. there are indications about

the clay cart and the exposition of art exhibitions. In a jaina literary work, Brhat

Kalpa Suthra Bhashya belonging to 6th or 7th century A.D., a»story is narrated

about saint like. In that story, a palace female servant is also narrated. She had a

collection of portraits were by she was able to understand the various tempera-

ments of different people. She used to exhibit her collection of pictures. From the

1. Richard Butorn & F.F. Arbuthnot. The Kamasutra of Vastyayana

George Allen & Unwin Ltd. London 1963 P. 18
 121

reflective moods of the viewers their character, nature, their interesting arts etc can

be measured in this way. The cooperative movements of Hindu and Budda reli-

gions detained the progress of the art of portrait. The villagers as well as the rich

society were influenced by this art to a large extend. Banabatta who lived is 7th

century A.D. upholds that in the palace walls and around garden of the Emperor Sri

Harsa, beautiful portrait had been painted. The artist who had done painting in the

public places such as markets, cities etc. had been collected round by children. In

another painting the portrait of an artist with brush in his left hand, pointing to Yama

who sits on the buffalo in the hell is seen painted. In the well known political drama,

Mudraraksasa\ Chanakya finds out a ring while a painter with a picture roll in his

hand is seen addressing to a public.

AFGHANISTAHAN PAINTINGS'

The art of portrait took a prominent part in the growth of Budda Religions. This

art migrated to many countries along with the spreading of the religion to other coun-

tries such as, Afghanisthan, Srilanka, China, Japan etc. Trade and political rela-

tions, various invasions between the cultural unifications etc lead to the emergence

of a new culture among these countries.

1. Mudrarakshasa of Viraghadatta, Editted by M.R. Kala

Motilal Banarasidas Delhi, 1974. P.36
2. Krishna Chaitanya - A History of Indian Painting
The Mural Tradition, Abhinav Publication New Delhi 1996 P.48
 122

Bamuyan, situated in between Peshawar and Ball<sh Patha was a popular trade

centre in those days. Large number of portraits are seen in the caves which are

faced to the valley. The caves are dug in the shape of cliff face and are seen like

halfmoon. When compared to Ajantan caves, these caves are more deep and broad.

All the paintings are seen either on the walls or in the inner Chambers. The surface

is uneven and vertical cliff. Here two colossal statues of Sri Budda are seen erected.

The paintings here are supposed to be done either prior to 3rd century or after 6th

century. The remaining found out in these caves are supposed to be the oldest

remaining ever found out in this continent. The paintings include Budda who sits

among his discpies with Veercakramudra, the flying Apsaras, and various articles

for rituals. More these paintings can not be treated as superb in beauty, the claim

Indian inheritance. The paintings include females with long and beautiful lotus eye

and eyebrows, large hands, and fingers. They indeed represent the Indian por-

traits. The face of males, their hair, cloth adornments etc hold resemblance with

Indian way of paintings. The inheritance of Fundoykistan Art found out from Bamiyan

gives us an indications to Ajanta art

SRILANKA PAINTINGS'

The Pak straits separates India from Srilanka. The remains of the palace built

1. Krishna Chaitanya • A History of Indian Painting The Mural Tradtion, Abhinav Publication
New Delhi - 1976. R49
 123

near Ananthapura during the reign of the Mahavamsa King, Dutta Gamani in the

second century B.C., was found out in the fifth century A.D. The portraits of Swan

(Hamsa) and animals are found out from Versantaya Jatka - though there pictures

are partly reviewed, we get some knowledge about the Budha religious way of mak-

ing portraits, we have got some evidences to come out that the frescoes were

drawn under the command of Kasyapa. He built a notable gallery on the palace

walls and the gallery was known as Lion Rock. In two different places in this gallery,

frescoes are seen. Besides 20 figures of females who lived in palaces are also

seen. The figures may represent royal ladies and their maid servants. They pick

out flowers when the flowers are showered like rain. These paintings are similar to

Ajantan paintings. Though the paintings were done in religious pursuit, the impact of

the same spreaded to the nearby countries and developed in this reliance of even

unreligious subjects. The preparation of surface, unification of colours, etc were

remarkably obvious in those days. Earth red, Yellow, Copper blue. Spectrum in

place of blue saffair etc were used. Ornaments were enormously used. Ornamen-

tal cloths were beautifully worn by the people. Female figures were seen bent front-

ward due to the weight of breast. Beautiful flowers were held in between long fin-

gers of the formal figures. The walls which are pasted with graffiti claim the oldage
 124

of 8th century. To many males, there beautiful females were fatless. These figures

are seen crying and standing with begging eyes. One might think that they are

talking each other with hearts.

In the rock paintings of Hindajala, which belongs to 7th century the paintings of

Versantara Jataka, Maitribala Jataka etc are seen and in the northern temple of

Polonnaruva built by Parakramabahu the same paintings are seen. Though bor-

rowed from neighbouring countries, the hereditary arts have been subjected to

chatiges in accordance with the prevailing culture of Sreeianka.

CHrNA PAINTINGS^

In former days India and China had trade relations as a result of which Budda

religious thoughts, yogatantras, the thoughts of Upanisath etc were happened to

reach China. Since the reign of Yue-Che dynasty on the eastern part of China

during second century Indians had visited China for the further 10 centuries. There

were a number of sea routes and passages to connect these two countries. In this

way art and culture of both these countries got unified to a certain extent. Gunavarma

had painted a Jathaka seen at Canton in China where a number of other animal

paintings had existed in different stages of time. In a ruined temple at Miran, Versantara

1. Krishna Chaitanya - A History of Indian Painting. The Mural Tradition, Abhinav Publiction,
New Delhi 1976. P.52
 125

Jataka is seen painted at the interior part of the Altar and this is considered as

fresco painting during 4th century. In another painting, which is supposed to be

belonging to 7th or 8th century seen in Dandan Viliq, beautiful lady, half naked and a

naked boy are seen in the fresco in a lotus pond. Besides the triple headed God

Siva is seen sitting on a set of bullocks. In Kucha region, another painting visualise

some birds quenching their thirst, drinking drops of water available from the clouds.

Lightning in the shape of snakes are seen painted. In the mural painting at Chortchut

we can see the painting of Sidhartha who got enlightenment. The great kings be-

longing to Wei, Sui, Tang dynasties, got a number of caves dug into different cen-

tres. Tun Huang made hundreds of caves at Kansu from all these places, we had

received a large of number details of painting in the year 1906. The paintings seen

in China and Central Asia are precise and exact in nature and they externally hu-

man passions significantly.

JAPAN PAINTINGS^

Asa homage to the past, the prince Umaiyado is known as the Saint of Sanctity

in the history. He constructed a temple at Horiyuji at Nara. The fresco paintings

founded here are believed to be either brought from Korea & China or painted by the

artists of Japan itself. The paintings included a group of Goddesses, the saint Sakya,

1. Krishna Chaithanya - The Mural Tradition, Abhinav Publication, New Delhi • 1976 P.55
 126

Amitabha Bajsajya Guru, Rathna Sambava all are the disciples of Sribudda. The

golden Crown adorned with flowers, garlands, braselet on the shoulders etc found

among the paintings indicate Ajanthan model paintings. The beautiful parts of body

indicates the reincarnation of Ajantan beauty. Apart from beauty this paintings are

the symbols of Super humans.

In Mandala painting. Lichen with ten helpers and Mantrayana Sutra are found.

In one painting we see Buda, Bodhisatva, Siva belonging to Hindu devas, Visnu,

Brahma Ganapati, Uma Saraswathy etc. All this paintings have been enormously

influenced by the Japanese culture.

INDIAN PAINTINGS

In Ajanta we can see seven caves each having 60 sq.ft. area. The ancient

paintings of Ajanta is believed to have been taken place around BC 200 after the

decline of Mourya dynasty. By this time Satavahanas had become strong powers

here. We have got some proof to the effect that the paintings of Ajantha pertains to

1200 or 1300 B.C. The inheritance of Ajanta is believed to be procliamaing the

remains of a golden era. The Ajantan caves were discovered by a retired British

Army Captain in the year 1819 while he went out for hunting to the near by forest of
 127

the State of Maharashtra. These caves must have been utilised by the Budda monks

for meditation. Not only on the wall but also in the chambers and even on the pillars

the paintings have been effected. Two kinds of caves are seen here. The first being

in the same distance having pillars that continues round apace to form an ambula-

tory model Chaitya. The material remains of Sribuda and his disciples are kept in

one of the caves. The other caves are used for residential purposes with common

courtyard and tiny chambers there around where in nearly 300 Buddha monks could

live comfortably.

The Ajantan paintings could not been treated as real fresco. The paintings were

on the surface of the wall, smeared with Calcium Carbonate and the paintings were

devoid of any strong colours but as far as fresco paintings are concerned the col-

ours are to be mixed when the calcium cariDonate is wet. But in Ajanta paintings are

seen done on the dry surface of Calcium Carbonate. The white calcium is smeared

on the rough surface and paintings are done using clay dust and red-stone dust.

The calcium is smeared on the surface very thinly using 'Kumaya-karamty". The

smooth surface like ivory is prepared for painting using red, yellow dust the green

sap of leaves, madder and blue colours. The colours are fastened with the surface

using gum obtained from vegetable plants. The lapis Lasuli which had been used by
 128

the European artists till recent time was discovered from tlie banks of the river

Oxus and there are certain proofs to the effect that the Lapis Lasuli had been used

since 5th century in Ajantan paintings.

The era of Ajanta paintings is considered as a classic period as far as the

ancient Indian paintings are concerned. Infact this era is the golden period which

destined the technical growth of parabolic curve. The documents pertaining to the

last stages of this era have become shabby and blurred which seem to be an exter-

nal impression of the paintings of Ellora caves. The main theme of the paintings

were either the concepts relating to the life of Budda or the indications relating to

various incarnation or Jataka stories. Sribudda is seen symbolised as bird, El-

ephant and in the last stages the real life of Siddartha is illustrated the colour and

complexion of Siddartha clearly brings to us that he belongs to Arya gothra. The

portraits painted In Ajanta caves include the legentary figures of history as well as

the figures of some fabricated stories. Moreover the animals, bushes, vegetables

etc are seen painted significance has been assigned to the adornments of various

ornaments of ladies and the transparent traditional life they lead during those days.

The princess as well as the noble ladies had worn transparent Muslin clothes and
 129

the middle class ladies had won clothes with flowers on it. The maid servants had

worn the same type of clothes during those days. They wore light Kancuka and

adorned blouse on it. They wore another dress exposing the waist and a shirt or a

sari revealing the shape of body.

The diversification of human beings in those days are also significant. The

paintings reveal the king who sits in his throat inside the palace chamber and chafing

with his wife often getting angry with her, doing his kindly duties towards his subject.

One of the palace guards is seen carrying another guard in a swing in a music

entertainment. Different musical instruments such as flutes, drums, conch etc are

used. The paintings include Jokers, Magicians strangely robed foreigners, snake

catchers etc are seen. A group of people who carry swing and some cruel huge

fellows, with ash coloured hairs holding knives in their hods are seen painted on the

Ajantan caves. The ghandarvas who are believed to be diving in the sky. Yaksas,

Yaksis etc flying in the sky blessing others are also painted.

The paintings include some portraits of jokes. Two friends are sitting with alco-

holic pots places near by them of which one appears to be a foreigner who had worn

socks and trousers and a scarf around his neck and a hat made of silk. When the

foreigner offers a cap of alcohol to his friend that man pulls the others chin. In
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another painting two dwarfs with large belly show some gestures and a third man

retorts with Insultation. Another figure appears to be an angel with joke and clem-

ency on its face. They had worn socks and a short cloth around its waist.

An awareness which was not in any were related with the story of Budda had

existed in the imaginations of the artist who lived during those days, is brought to us

through this paintings.

BAGH PAINTINGS

Painting are seen in nine cave of The Vindhya mountains near Gwalior. These

caves are seen on the bank of Bagh a subriver of the river Narmada and they lie in

the steep valley of the river. We do not get any precise knowledge or informations

with regard to the period during when these caves were constructed for the reason

that the rock of the caves are very weak. The Mahayana thought of the Buddha

relegion is supposed to be the hose of painting. These caves are supposed to be

made with in a short span of time by way of an uninterrupted act. The main theme of

the painting is the story of a coronation. In the royal procession there were election

the warriors who mounted on the horse back etc. Large number of crowds standing

on their portico are seen painted visualising the procession that passes through the
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royal street and answer, who is confined to a ring, do frok dances. A group of

people make discussion on religious aspects. Some angels are seen painted flying

in the sky. All this painting represents a festival season. A morning lady is con-

soled by another lady and whose failure in doing so has become the theme of paint-

ing. The transcissions of tears and smiles emerged from the life problems are also

made subject to the theme of paintings. (The females who has worn tiny clothes

without covering the breasts). The lady musicians whose nakedness on the waist

is exposed though they had wcvn a small piene of cloth are also seen among the

paintings. Noble men belonging to the society had worn broad hat. The figures

wearing braselets galets earrings, hand rings etc are seen painted. Some ladies

have worn chains with pearls and indranila. Huge elephants noble horses, bul-

locks, doves etc are the subjects of paintings. Though they had the chains of rocks

the land portions were rare. We can see in the paintings the falling of flower buds to

the springs which are collected by some flying figures. A lady musician has adorned

her hair using a bucket of flowers.

The mural painting claims a magnificent heritage that has been spreaded all

over India. The history of mural paintings lies in the paintings pertaints to Orrisa,

Chalukyan, Pandyan, Pallava, Rashtrakuda, Chia, Vijayanagara, Nayaka, Cera,

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Jaina etc. The growth of history can be visualized under different cultures.

Though the people belonging to high class society adopted the art and litera-

ture as the means to suppress the weaker people of the Society, the art of literature

was encouraged. We can see political and religious transcissions with regard to the

history of painting. To satisfy the rulers the artists combited among themselves the

influence of the art of portrait can be visualized in the religions like Budda, Hindu,

Jaina, Vaisnava, Jaina etc. Among this the influence of Hindu relegion was pre-

dominating. Most of the Hindu temple had been adorned with beautiful paintings.

Such temples are increasingly seen in South India. The different dynasties in South

India compited among themselves of Supremacy which often lead to mighty con-

flicts. At time when welfare and tranquillity were in existence the art of mural paint-

ing was given considerable encouragement.

ORISSA PAINTINGS'

When we closely examine the remains, we find that the caves Udayagiri and

Khandagiri found in Orrissa are suppose to be built by Kharavela and his sons. The

remains of paintings are found in the caves of Ravanachahaya of Kunjhara district.

According to hereditary believe Srirama and Site had been residing here during

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when they lived in the forest. Ravanachaya is a residential cave built on a rock.

This is found to be built in the shape of a half open sunshade, using two round rock-

stones. One stone is built in the form of altitude wall and the other is linean. This

cave is built as a chamber and paintings are seen inside this chamber. The painted

surface being very thin the pigment got loosened. Due to moisture, wind and rainfall

and by the attack of some flies the portraits are seen ruined. In this painting four

colours are seen used\ They are white, ash, light yellow, dark yellow, light red and

dark red. The theme of the painting is the royal procession on this rock the words

Maharaja, Sridhasavhanja are seen inscribed. In another painting a king who is

sitting on the elephant followed by soldiers, another soldier on the horse back, a

maid servant and on the back a servant holding a royal umbrella in his left hand are

seen painted. In this the made sen/ant is in Ajantan style and the rest in Bagh style.

It was seen that all the people in the gathering is bedding fonn/ard resembling that it

was moving. Depending on the style of painting and the art and sculpture it was

concluded that this was during the period of 6th and 8th B.C.

The portraits known as Ramanuja painted on the lakshmi-tomb popularly known

with title Kanci-kaveri is seen painted in the chambers of Jagannatha temple. The

antiquity of the painting goes to the period of Ramanuja the leader of Vaishnava who

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defeated the disciples of Sri Budda in an Intellectual debate thereby compelled to

adopt Hindu relegion. These paintings are made subject to renovations from time to

time the reality of the paintings are seen clouded. In another painting the adventure

of Rajapurusotamadeva and his army march to Southern region and his trim on

Naraslmhadeva Saroova of KancI and finally his marriage with the daughter

Roopambika of the conquered wing canbe seen. These pictures are supposed to

be painted in 1490 and later they were renovated in different stages and the shining

of the paintings may be due to the above renovation.

CHALUKYAN PAINTINGS

A number of portraits have been found in the Vaisnava caves in Badami. Among

these the painting indicating the marriage of God Siva with Goddess Parvati is con-

sidered to be the best painting. According to a stone script all these paintings were

done by Mangalesh, a Vaishnava\ In another painting God Siva is seen entertain-

ing the dance and music in his assembly. Another paintings indicates a king who

sits with his wife. Chalukyan paintings are seen adapted the inheritance of Vagt>aa

of Ajanta. The drawings are nature and colours are excellent where by the shapes

and figures are formed. The cheeks are thin, the legs & hands are painted in a

dance mood that convey some moments: The figures of females are beautifully and

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passionately exhibited in paintings. A female figure which supposed to be the God-

dess Parvati had worn earrings. The use of ornaments Indicates Ajantan Paintings.

The soldiers are arranged in different rows which represents an excellent organisa-

tion of the army set up. The dance, musician, the king. The queen tribal leader

servants etc are seen painted under different classification which proclates the

naturality and diversification of each class Kanyakas are painted in blue brown col-

ours. The way in which the drawings were deltued and the concave surface on

which the drawing were made. The excellent ability to do drawings etc confirmed

the acquaintance of paintings in those days.

PALLAVA PAINTINGS

The King Mahendra Varma I who ruled over Pallava empire in the 7th century

was deeply interested and showed excellent mastership in literature, culture and

paintings. He built a temple on the rock of Mandagapattu. He was popularly known

as "The tiger" among the artists^ The temple Joyveae dubreyil of Panamalas and

the temple Kailasnatha of Kancipuram are the excellent examples for the art of

portraits . A figure of a Goddess painted there hods similarity with the paintings of

Ajanta in regard to its waist, legs, sitting etc. A group painting of Siva, Parvathy and

a child Skanda are seen in the remaining pictures of the temple Kailasanatha. Mur-

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muring the hymns of Veda mother embarrasses a goddess child in another painting.

The legends of Krisna is also seen painted. Most of the paintings are in the homely

surroundings. Siva and Skanda looks at jokingly Punyaganapati, Durga in whose

ears a leaf is pulled down. In the remaining pictures we can see the form of Parvathy

the palm of Siva and the face of a child all these pictures fetch similarity with that of

being painted in Ajanta. Besides an oval shaped king figure with half closed dreamful

eyes, long nose, noble mouth beautiful neck with ornaments etc are among the

paintings.

PANDYAN PAINTINGS:

The pallava princess reached Pandyans homes by way of matrimonial rela-

tionship. The pallava ladies were deeply interested in various arts^ When the Pallava

kings were conquered their culture was also defeated by the Pandya kings. The

interest of Pandya king in cave temple got developed. We have received some

remains of Pandyan paintings from the cave temples. This temple is 12 ft. height

and without any steps to go upward, indications are there to come out that the

chambers, walls, and the roof had been evosed for painting. Facing the constant

wind the painting are partly ruined. A heaven body is painted riding on horrible lion.

From these painting we can understand the ability to paint the mixture of colours and

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the movements of body. In another painting some heroes travel with a group of

ladies. A bear is seen hanging on the shoulder of a hunter. All these pictures may

represents the relation and interactions of opposite sex. In a chamber painting a

music group is seen painted one among them reads a drum. His head has turned

towards the dancer and his eyes are seen fixed on his movements.

All the female figures are lean and having more bodies. Their eyes are inten-

sively passionate and their face are of oval shaped Female figures are compara-

tively less comparing to Ajantan paintings the ornaments and clothing are less. Some

females had worn rings. The animals and plants are beautifully painted. The differ-

ent stages of a blossomed lotus is seen painted in the chamber. The paintings are

done on a back ground which is white and blue. The bushes the leaves and the

flower buds have been given undue important in the painting. The colours used

were dark red.red, black, blue and green. The outlines were drawn in red colours

and subsequently drawn in dark. The paintings of Sitanna vassal being seen on a

rock. It may belongs to the creation of Pallavas. All this paintings are supposed to

be made during 9th century according to the indication available from them. Though

the drawing's and colours are perfect, the external of the visions of the figures seem

to be crazy to a certain extent.

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RASHTRAKUTA PAINTINGS

The precessors of Lord Srikrisna established their own empire in decan in the

8th century. The famous temple Kailasanatha was built in the 2nd half of 8th century

by Krishna II. The Kailasanatha of Ellora Lankeswara Indrasabha, Ganejadayana

are the famous temples which are adorned with beautiful paintings. In the chamber

situated on the second floor of Kailasanatha temple contains super paintings. They

are supposed to be painted in 2 stages^ In the 1st stage Vishnu and Laksmi are

seen riding among the clouds sitting on the bird Garuda. These birds are of small

legs, tiny wings, human's face long and sharp nose. Gandharvas and Vidhyadharas

are seen flowing among the clouds. All the pictures are filled with clouds. All the

figures were equistatically and rythematically flowing and they satisfied themselves

in this way. The figures were thin but strong and alert. The structural shape of the

body of the figures were suitable for flowing through the clouds. The 2nd stage of

painting the portrait of lotus was significantly painted. A lotus pond is painted abound

in elephants and fish. The peculiarity of the second stage was the unification of the

processions, Jaiva Godesses. Notable differences are prevailing with regard to the

two stages.

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COLA PAINTINGS

In the 11th century the rule of Cola king brought stragnent especially during the

reign of Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Cola. When Rajendra Cola built his new

capital at Gangaikonda cholapuram in Trichinappilly district\ He had constructed

palaces and temples. The Narthamalai of Thanjavoor is considered as the finest

example for the art of painting. A small temple made of stones are found there. The

indication available from the wall paintings make it clear that they belong to the end

of 9th century. In the chamber the figures of Gandharvas and other dancing figures

are seen. Besides in the temple Bhrihudeeswara of Thanjavoor mural paintings are

splendidly seen. In the lower portion of the pew of the main shrine the paintings are

hidden.The life story of Sundara is significantly illustrated in the theme of paintings.

Among the paintings only two numbers are remaining. One is the vision of a court

and the other is the last departure of Sundara. In a large wall having a number of

pillars are crowded by youth, old men, ladies and gentlemen. In the middle Sundara

and an old Brahmin stand face to face. The male members are of strongly built

constitution broad shoulders and chin. Their faces express different psychological

moods. In the departure scene Sundara, the youth, mounting on four white el-

ephants who is overridden by Cheraman perumal who travels sitting on horseback

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and both of them crossing a river\ This indicates obstacle of human life. On the left

corner, a group of Gandharvas and Goddesses who concealed themselves partly

are seen painted. As a part of entertainment and pandemonium, they use various

musical instruments and let lotus flowers falling down. Besides Lord Siva is seen

painted in different moods. Lord Siva is painted resting in the Kailasam in whose

feet Nandi takes rest. Siva is also seen painted in the form of Nataraja in whose left

hand a fire and a head are also seen. He seems to be in an intoxicated mood. In

another place the slain of Tripurasundara by Siva is seen painted. Holding different

kinds of weapons in eight hands and mounting on a chariot, he fights standing on his

left elbow. Seeing this group the women hang on the shoulders of the warriors,

crying. These ladies are seen half naked on their breasts. Some female figures are

seen on resting mood, others worshipping the God Siva and some other ladies are

seen indulged in homely affairs. For adorning the forehead flowers and pearls are

worn in the shape of halfmoon and stars. Their eyes are long and shinning. Long

nose closed lips are seen painted. They had worn necklaces which incarnate their

beauty. The apsaras (celestial damsels) who have adopted Sivathandava have

Hsen a fantastic mood. The upper portions completely and the lower portions partly

have been painted one by one. The passionate body and the alert steps of the

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figures are also seen painted. The powder of conch and pearls have been used in

the mixture of paints, excellent brightness have been resulted on the paintings. The

colours are plenty such as yellow, earthern colours, red, black, brown, terraverty,

blue etc..

VIJAYANAGARA PAINTINGS

The empire of Vijayanagara was established by Devaraya on the south zone of

the river Tungabhadra. Krisnadevaraya the mighty ruler who ruled the kingdom in

the early stage of 16th century was a popular ruler. The Sultan of Deccan and the

rulers of Ahmaednagar, Bijapur, Golkonda were jealous towards Devaraya. They

conspired themselves and attacked Vijayanagara Kingdom and concurred it. They

destroyed the temples and palaces. The remains of Vijayanagara paintings are

seen in Tirupparuttikunram, Humpi, Lepakshi, Anegundi, Somapally and Pillaimari.

These paintings are classified as belonging to two different stages. The 1st stage is

based on the ancient hereditary concepts and the second stage is based on the

middle hereditary concepts. In the 1st stage crowns, ornaments clothing etc are

seen painted but the outlines of the figures are uneven and smooth. They resemble

With the traditions of Ellora. The figures are seen lean and the curves are seen

made smooth on the lateral positions the nose seems to be high and sharp. The
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theme of paintings include the incidents of Jaina religion The paintings in Virupasa

temple of Hampi are supposed to be pertained to 15th century. The incidents of

Mahabaratha and Ramayana and the adventures of God Siva are seen among the

paintings. In a procession Vidyadhara is carried in a swing. The joys people are

seen crowded in another painting Arjuna is seen launching an arrow towards a fish

which is placed on the back of a rotating wheel seeing the shadow of the fish in the

water in a pot. In another the marriage of Srirama and SIta Is seen. Tripurasura is

defeated by Kamadeva in a fight is also seen painted. The paintings of Vira bhadra

swamy temple of Lepashi are believed to be done in the middle of the 16th century.

The theme of the painting is based on the stories of Saiva. Siva is painted in the

form of a teacher and also as the killer of Ajnanasura. The miseries of Goddess

Parvati resulted from Siva's relation with Ganga is remedied by marrying Parvati,

The poet Bharavi has made a poem viz Kiratarjaniyam which has also been made

the theme of paintings. God Siva made Arjuna subject to various experiments and

ultimately donate some divine weapons to him.

A number of portraits are seen painted in this chamber of Uchayappamatha in

Anegundi. In one painting a bush is seen blossomed in one side.and a squarrel and

2 females on the other side. A man wearing a crown on his heads rides on a camel
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inf ront of which an elephant runs. A man with long hair and chin sits on the back of

an enchanted elephant where the elephant lieing artificially created by five ladies.

The same man sits on a horse back in front of which another lady holds an umbrella

on the upper portion of the painting the garlents of lotus flowers are seen hanging.

The figures painted in the picture being lean. They are believed to have been painted

during the middle ages. The blossomed bushes and the squarrels represents Ajantan

paintings. The temple Chenna-Kasava of Somapally is believed to represent 18th

century. A number of paintings which illustrate the epic story Ramayana is seen in

the front chambers of the port'co. Among the paintings the Ashtadikpalaka (protec-

tors of eight corners of the universe) and their prayers to God Indra for the incarna-

tion of Vishnu is seen painted. The slain of Tataka by young Rama, the breaking of

bows in front of Janaka and Sita etc are among the paintings.

In the temple of Pillarmarri the incident of Palazhimadhana (churning of milk

ocean) is seen painted. This paintings believed to represent 12th century. The

pictures must have been painted in the last stages of the glories of Vijayanagara. In

wie place the fighting between Rama and Ravana is unobvously seen. The lateral

faces are obviously sharp and the external lines are made soften.
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NAYAKA PAINTING

Consequent on the Thalikotta war in the year 1565 the Royal families of

Vijayanagara got weakened and the rule of the kingdom was undertaken by

Varghanaralias. The paintings of 17th century must have been made due to the

encouragement of Nayakas. The Palazhimadanam of Thanjavoor temple and the

STvathandavam of Thiruvalanjuli are examples for popular paintings. The

Srikrishnaleela and in the temple Thiruvalloor a monkey is seen sitting on the Bhilwa

tree and a leaf falling on Sivalaya and receiving to boon of Siva etc are seen among

the paintings. The God Siva gave the monkey a rebirth as a king besides Visnu and

StVa together made experiments regarding the possessiveness of some yogis and

purify their minds. Thus painting is seen in Cidambara. The method of painting

adopted in Vijayanagara is also seen adopted by Nayakas with certain modifica-

tions. Here, Sehematiasm is largely used. The male members of leapaolish paint-

ings are seen large stomach and the female members with short waist. But in the

paintings of Nayaka the male members are seen with handsome waist and female

rrtfembers are lean and in the shape of hour glass and these figures are very tall.

The lateral views are very excellent and the movements are quite natural. The ex-

ternal lines express the natural flowing of the moving figures.The portraits of Mohini
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and begging are illustrated in a hasty but arranged way of interpretting the incidents.

Jhe paintings which are seen effected from right to left with the art of demonstration

make this painting a peculiar and indentifiable from the other paintings. Sixty paint-

Islgs are seen in the front chamber of the temple of Chengam in Arcot district and

titese paintings are resulted by the encouragement of Nayakas. For the coronation

of SriRama, Laksamana and Indrajit are seen fighting. This may relate to the tamil

R^mayana written by Kamban and may represent 17th century through they can't

ue treated as excellent. We are seen in Lealiakshai the demonstrations brought out

in the paintings are the result of alertness in telling the story.

PAINTINGS OF JAINA RELEGION.

Like Hindu and Budda relegion the Jaina relegion has made commendable

cfgntribution to the art of paintings. The temple of Mount Abu, the Gomedeswara

Statue of Sravana Balagola are the best examples of Jaina sculpture and paintings.

LJKewise the portraits belonging to eastern India bring us the Jaina subjects. The

peculiarity of China paintings was the angular metfxxl, but this was not true. The

paintings had been rentered to some transitions when they were able to be taken

olit from the walls and painted on leaves and later on papers. A painting of Indrasabha

fias been received from a Jaina cave temple of Ellora. In a painting belonging to
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t4th century the life of Vardhamanamahavira is seen portraited and this painting is

received from Tirupparuttipuram built by Irugappa, a minister of Vijayanagara King-

dom. The paintings of Jaina teachers, the followers of Jaina and the kings have

been found out from various Jaina madoms in Sravanabelagola and all this paint-

ings are believed to be made during 14th century. In this painting beautiful mountain

views and moving wild animals are seen.

The inheritance of Indian mural painting claims and antiquity of 2000 years.

Now it reaches Gajendramoksham painted in 19th century. As a result of a long

process and in the end the pictures got down from the walls and found place in the

p-'lm-leaves and papers. We can see such a magnificent history as far as the art of

mDral paintings are concerned.